Begich Challenges Alaskans to Send Support the Philippines

Published: November 12, 2013

Begich Donates $500 for Typhoon Victims

Senator Mark Begich met with leaders from the Anchorage Filipino community and the Red Cross today to help focus attention on the desperate needs of the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Sen. Begich made a donation to the Alaska Red Cross for relief efforts and encouraged Alaskans to do their part to help victims.

“It doesn’t matter if you donate five dollars or $500,” said Sen. Begich. “Alaskans know too well about the aftermath of disasters like floods, wildfires or earthquakes and we know how important a helping hand can be when someone is in need.”

During the meeting, Sen. Begich described U.S. support efforts already underway including a shipment of 55 metric tons of emergency food. 90 U.S. Marines and sailors from 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and two KC-130J Hercules aircraft from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing arrived in the Philippines yesterday from Okinawa, Japan.

The typhoon affected 4.3 million people across 36 provinces. Philippine Red Cross volunteers throughout the region are reporting significant damage and a growing death toll, while the full extent of the devastation continues to unfold. Reports of the lives lost are estimated to be in the thousands.

Click here to donate directly to Typhoon Haiyan through the Red Cross. Click here to visit the Philippine Red Cross to get updated reports on response and recovery efforts.

The Department of State has established the Typhoon Haiyan Response Call Center, a 24-hour call center which can handle all inquiries regarding US citizens affected by the storm. Persons in the U.S. can contact the Call Center at 888-407-4747 from the U.S. and 202-501-4444 from outside the U.S.